Our nation
will take the month of June to create greater awareness for a silent tormentor of men and women who
survive combat, but came home broken in mind and spirit.

One in
three servicemen and servicewomen returning from Afghanistan or other hot spots
in the world today are being diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, psychological experts say.

And, like
military personnel of past generations, most don’t seek treatment. The latest
studies report only 40 percent seek help. In addition, on average five
active-duty troops attempt suicide each day.

Service providers
such as the Macomb-Oakland Regional Center have workers trained in screening
and assessment of PTSD and can recommend needed treatment.

Michigan
currently has 680,000 veterans among its 9.8 million residents, Secretary of
State Ruth Johnson said Wednesday

PTSD is an
anxiety disorder that can develop after a person sees or experiences an event(s)
that cause serious trauma or death. In addition to American troops, it can also
impact children who have been abused as well as survivors of sexual assault,
domestic violence, and natural disasters.

And unlike
previous generations going back to the end of World War II in 1945, physicians are more able
to recognize the disorder and military veterans are more apt to seek treatment.

PTSD can
result in chronic sleep problems, irritability, anger, recurrent dreams about
the event, intense reactions to reminders of the trauma, disturbances in
relationships and isolation, psychiatrists at MORC say.

Some people
with PTSD report symptoms of avoidance and emotional numbness.

Depending
upon the case, recovery can take weeks to months to years or be a lifelong disability.

In order
to help those with or suspected of having PTSD, the Department of Veterans
Affairs has developed suggestions to help those with the disorder, including:

nLearn as much as you can about
PTSD.

nOffer to go to doctor visits with
your family member. You can help keep track of medicine and therapy and can be
there for support.

nTell your loved one you are there
to listen to him or her and understand if you he or she doesn’t feel like
talking.

nPlan family activities. Take a
walk, go for a bike ride, or do some physical activity together and can help
clear your mind.

nGive loved ones space, but let them
know you support them.

Jerry Wolffe is the
Disability Advocate at Large/Writer in Residence at Macomb-Oakland Center. He
can be reached at 586-263-8950.